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Coaching changes can sometimes complicate the recruiting process. Andy Ilie didn’t let it sway his overall opinion of Dartmouth.

Five-Star Andy Ilie Has Committed to Dartmouth
© Contributed Photo

Although he wasn’t committed to the program when Xander Centenari replaced Chris Drake as head coach in August, Ilie was confident things would work out. He had visited Dartmouth last January, and was impressed with everything the Ivy League school in New Hampshire had to offer.

“My two big things were how good the school was and how good the team was, and obviously Dartmouth has both those qualities,” Ilie said. “I really liked the overall vibe from the school and had a good feeling about it.”

Centenari contacted Ilie soon after he took over the program, and drove to New York to watch the five-star senior from Trumbull, Connecticut play in a tournament. Illie made it official last month by verbally committing to Dartmouth.

“He came to watch more matches than any of the other coaches I was more involved with, which really meant a lot,” Ilie said. “I could just tell from the very beginning that he was a really great guy and a great coach. I just felt like my game would improve a lot with his coaching.”